Against the Inevitable Destiny
Chapter 25 - Why Do You Love Me?

Bright blue skies, vast expanses of grass, beautiful scenery, and don't forget, the cool breeze.

In that calm atmosphere, two people can be seen, namely men and women are enjoying their time.

The couple were none other than Mei and Riyu.

Mei sits near a large tree protecting her from the sun, while Riyu is seen sleeping on her lap.

Mei offers her thigh to make Riyu relax because she thinks that Riyu has a lot of thoughts.

She did not want Riyu to think too much, or at least, she wanted to make Riyu be able to relax a little.

Mei was neither unhappy nor embarrassed. He actually enjoyed it enough.

As long as Riyu closed her eyes, Mei rubbed her hair a few times while continuing to look at her. She never got tired of seeing Ryu's current expression.

For Mei, this was something new, seeing how Riyu looked like a helpless little child.

Perhaps, because she often saw Ryu who was quite lively, serious, and confident so she never imagined to see him like this.

“Really, why do you always push yourself.” Mei mutters.

Mei continued to stare at Riyu while stroking her hair. He knows about Ryu's harsh training. And she also knew a lot of things that Ryu did, even though it was only vague.

And indeed, whether Mei realizes it or not. Both now and all this time, Ryu continued to struggle. Even among what he was fighting for, he had no idea why he was doing that.

So at this moment, when Riyu was at ease, she seemed to let go of all the burdens that were in her heart.

If he wakes up, he might think “if only this could last forever.”

……

[A few minutes later ]

“Em.”

Little by little, Ryu's eyes began to open.

After his eyes completely opened, he was a little dazed.

What she saw was a heavenly beauty who was bowing her head so that the two of them were staring at each other.

Not long after, Ryu started smiling.

"Am I in heaven?" Riyu says.

"Why do you think so?"

“Because I saw bidadari.”

Mei just patted Riyu on the forehead and giggled. She was indeed a little amused by what Ryu said.

Mei may be quite cold with others, but when she is around Riyu, she is like a little girl in love, and continues like that.

……

“Hei, Yu. When did you fall in love with me?”

Mei asked, but her eyes did not see Riyu's eyes but rather the scene in front of her.

"Do you believe that I loved you even before you were born?"

That might sound like a joke. However, from her feelings, Ryu knew that what she said was the truth. He really feels that way.

Of course, Mei could only assume that Ryu was teasing her.

So he explained it more seriously.

“You know. When you keep telling me to smile more, I don't understand what you mean. Back then, I only knew to learn, focus on what I wanted to pursue, and not think about anything else. In my mind back then, I saw no point doing such a childish thing."

Mei paused for a moment then lowered her head again, to look at Riyu's face.

“But from your changes, our competition, and how our daily lives are, it makes me so happy that subconsciously, I started to smile, even laugh. After that, I began to realize my loneliness and fear you would leave me.”

"......"

“When you say you like me, I'm so happy. However, I also wonder why you like me?”

"Do you remember when my parents disappeared?"

“Em, you were so grim back then, and you were so different. Before you seemed indifferent, but after that you seem to have rediscovered your emotions. All emotions are negative. You are angry, moody, desperate, and even rude to the point of me-”

"You slapped me, for the first time. Because I asked something cruel. Well, that slap was painful, I still remember it." Ryu denounced himself.

Riyu might seem joking, but from her expression, she was full of regret.

“......”

"...Youknew. That's when you really opened my eyes. I don't know if you're aware of it or not, but I obviously didn't have complete emotions before. I still have emotions, but those feelings are completely incomplete. As if, there was something missing inside me. However, when I found something missing, I instead lost something else.”

"....." Mei was silent.

Riyu looked back at Mei, and said.

“And you woke me up. I remember that I still have my grandfather, Maya, and you. If I continue like that, then I might lose you. I obviously don't want that."

"...Is that everything?"

“Of course not. After I fully awakened my feelings, I began to observe you more closely. I saw many interesting things about you, but when I saw your cold face, it looked like a lonely expression to me. And somehow I really don't want to see that expression.”

“......”

“Do you remember when I fainted?"

Riyu asked which Mei answered by nodding her head

"That's when I knew I was in love with you. I don't want to lose you, I don't want you to go, I feel something that scares me that you might have that cold expression again. So, I'm being honest and saying that I love you."

“Really, do you really like me?” Mei smiled brightly after hearing all of Riyu's words.

"It may be silly, but I've loved you since I saw you. Maybe even before that. You make me wonder, that might be true. You're beautiful, that must be true. However, I can't approach you just because of that, I love you, and all I know is that."

"Good stop teasing me. Shameless man."

……

POV Ryu

We spent our time chatting about trivial matters.

Mei also asked me if I had a problem, which I answered no. I just think too much. After all, it was like that, I thought too much.

The geniuses in the Akaasa family had thought about the armor problem, but still had not found a solution. Even my mother was probably only half successful. So, I might be too arrogant by trying to solve that problem in a few days.

Of course, I didn't give up. I will continue to look for solutions so that I have security guarantees.

……

……

……

After we enjoyed our time. Mei and I walked back, heading for class, preparing to do some of the activities we planned.

However, before we got to class, I saw a pretty attractive guy. Using my eyes I saw his extremely calm aura, but he seemed to have a determined ambition.

"May do you know him?"

I paused for a moment and Mei followed him.

After hearing what I said, Mei followed my gaze.

"Ah,-he's Sho, drain him he's friends with Yami."

'Yami's Friends yes.'

He could be that guy's best friend. His aura could at least calm him down.

Besides, I think he's from that family.

"Let's say hello to him for a minute."